Synopsis: “GRAVITY, directed by Oscar® nominee Alfonso Cuaron, stars Oscar® winners Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space. Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (Clooney). But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone—tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth… and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.”

Great science fiction movies are a rarity in Hollywood it seems nowadays and when one that not only pleases visually but also emotionally comes around it is important to sit up and take notice. Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity is one such movie. Strap in for a tense and terrifying ride in space alongside Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in this film that not only captures the beauty of space but also the attention of each spectator for its entire 90 minutes.

You might as well be in space while watching this movie as in space you cannot breathe and sitting in your seat watching Gravity may very well have the same affect. If I had to describe this movie in one word, that word would be “terrifyingly tense.” (Ok, that was two words, but in all fairness, one word just wouldn’t have been enough!) From the onset of the film it immediately pulls you in and does not let go…at all. I was sitting on the edge of my seat (you will too) the entire time unsure of the outcome and wondering just how Cuarón would take this launched adventure and land it in a satisfying way.

He blasted my expectations out of the atmosphere.

Impressive, beautiful, immersive and unpredictable, Gravity does not ease up its hold on viewers and captivates on multiple levels making it a complete experience for all who watch to enjoy. Visually it is nothing short of a masterpiece showing of the majestic beauty of space, the Earth and more. As the movie opens, it focuses on planet Earth (which tends to be a constant character of itself throughout the entire film) and I half expected to hear the Blue Danube in full 2001: A Space Odyssey style playing in the background. With such a visual presentation unlike any seen for quite some time, there is plenty to behold and admire in Gravity.

But the trifecta of impressive elements is not only amazing due to its visuals (which I fully expect many of you to watch this in 3D), but it is also due to its characters (their stories and their cast) and the soundtrack. First, let me speak on the heart-pulsing soundtrack that in its potency creates the right feel for every scene. For a taste of it, click play:

The soundtrack is not only appropriate but it adds to every scene in getting across the emotion of every thing happening. It is important for a storyteller to make efficient use of each of the senses available and Cuarón does that here. Through the music, viewers will not only feel as if they are in space themselves, but also as if they are the ones in danger right alongside the astronauts in peril.

Soundtrack and special visuals alone do not make a movie great. Cuarón completes the trifecta through a masterfully written story with believable characters and a cast that carries the story tremendously well. None more deserving of praise than Sandra Bullock herself as Dr. Ryan Stone.

The reactions experienced while uncontrollably spinning untethered in outerspace makes the authenticity of the film’s scenarios come alive and hearts will pound in the chests of the viewers as uncertainty sinks in in terms of the fate of the endangered astronauts. Every struggle, every challenge, every “just out of reach” opportunity pulls audible gasps and sighs from the viewer full of hope unrequited. The backstories presented are simple and adequate given that the goal of each is to add to the emotional investment of the characters and offer hope. While not explored completely, it was not necessary to and thus is a tribute to the writing and editing of this film.

Clooney and Bullock’s chemistry onscreen really made their characters that extra dimension of reality and personification allowing viewers to essentially be “in the suit” with them experiencing everything right alongside them. (points for excellent cinematography as well.)

A lot of effort and detail was put into making this film and it pays off. Keeping the interest all the way to the very end and making it difficult to figure out just where the film is going, Gravity teases with its terrifying and tense moments and pays off with proof that the pre-determined trajectory for his film was the best course among the stars that audiences deserve. One may wonder just what all can take place to keep the interest for 90 minutes in space like this. After watching, the question then is why can’t other movies be made like this that keep the attention every single second.

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Amazing, stunning, striking, spectacular, gripping, masterful and intense, Gravity is a film not to be missed. There is so much more I want to say about this movie and feel my review inadequate. I have not had a movie keep me tuned in so much for its entirety like this in a long time…you just need to go see it for yourself and let Gravity pull you in!

My Score:5out of 5 stars forGravity

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(Remember, to read this review of mine and over 250 more, check out THE ARCHIVE of movies I have reviewed anytime. Know before you go…or rent…or buy!)

I only skimmed through your review T., I plan to go see it tomorrow, unfortunately it’s only shown at the fake IMAX theaters since Warner Bros, wouldn’t produce any 70mm prints for the real IMAX. Oh well I can live with that.

Saw it last week and I have to completely agree with your thoughts on this one. Stunning movie which like you say never let’s go. There were a couple of times I noticed my back was aching simply because I tensed up so much during it all 🙂